Another Tulwar

Jim McDougall · 9th August 2012, 06:37 PM

Entirely agree with Ibrahiim, light cleaning is perfectly acceptable, especially to stabilize the condition and check any active corrosion. This must be done prudently and every effort made to avoid compromising the patination.

I think sometimes so much effort to look for wootz in some of these blades ends up with excessive cleaning on blades which are better left patinated (in my opinion). The blade on this example seems of form often seen with many Rajasthan produced blades which do not typically reveal wootz, but more standard forged material. There does seem to be some irregular areas in the overall patination which reveal some more recent rust and light corrosion.

The shape of the pommel on this seems to be a somewhat altered type similar to those on Afghan paluoars, and looks like some kind of sheeting added over the construction. These things all concur with AJs observations noting incongruities in the components, and I would think this could well be in place with arms which were refurbished for various levies and units during the Raj and the Anglo-Afghan wars especially the 1919 campaign.

Best regards,
Jim

Jim McDougall · 11th August 2012, 03:36 AM

Of any use?

LostDutchman · 11th August 2012, 02:15 PM

Ibrahiim I did look through the threads you posted with the last tulwar. Those were very impressive collections... as that was my first tulwar and this my second a lot of it went over my head but I did find it very interesting.

Jim I haven't had a chance to even think about trying anything yet. The wife and I have a newborn and a 2 year old so when I'm not at work I don't get much free time. Hopefully this weekend.

LostDutchman · 11th August 2012, 02:36 PM

This is what I'm seeing in hand. It's hard to capture with the camera and it's a little more noticeable in hand.

Jim McDougall · 12th August 2012, 02:56 AM

OK Matt, quite understandable with little ones....appreciate the acknowledgement and update, hope the info is useful. Asking direct questions here I think will surpass long internet searches...use our search function as well, naturally as opportunity is available.
Congrats on the kids, sounds like a wonderful family.

Jim

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 12th August 2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostDutchman

This is what I'm seeing in hand. It's hard to capture with the camera and it's a little more noticeable in hand.

Salaams LostDutchman ~ Sink the blade in coke for a couple of days or step up to vinegar wash and a 00 grade paper ..finish off by thorough wash down and a rinse...then dry. Either way the gunge and rust should come off the blade to reveal possibly wootz underneath.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Norman McCormick · 12th August 2012, 04:47 PM

Hi,
I would concur with others here in that the sword needs attended to re the muck and rust if nothing else to conserve what is there wootz or not. I have attached some photos of a Tulwar of mine which has a similar hilt profile, sans the odd looking pommel, and interestingly a similar point profile with the odd slightly clipped look. Could be a nice sword with some work but I remember what it was like when my kids were very young

My Regards,
Norman.

11th August 2012, 02:15 PM	#3
LostDutchman Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 11	Ibrahiim I did look through the threads you posted with the last tulwar. Those were very impressive collections... as that was my first tulwar and this my second a lot of it went over my head but I did find it very interesting. Jim I haven't had a chance to even think about trying anything yet. The wife and I have a newborn and a 2 year old so when I'm not at work I don't get much free time. Hopefully this weekend. Last edited by LostDutchman; 12th August 2012 at 03:07 AM.

11th August 2012, 02:36 PM	#4
LostDutchman Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 11	This is what I'm seeing in hand. It's hard to capture with the camera and it's a little more noticeable in hand. Attached Images

12th August 2012, 04:47 PM	#7
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,632	Hi, I would concur with others here in that the sword needs attended to re the muck and rust if nothing else to conserve what is there wootz or not. I have attached some photos of a Tulwar of mine which has a similar hilt profile, sans the odd looking pommel, and interestingly a similar point profile with the odd slightly clipped look. Could be a nice sword with some work but I remember what it was like when my kids were very young My Regards, Norman. Attached Images

9th August 2012, 06:37 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	Entirely agree with Ibrahiim, light cleaning is perfectly acceptable, especially to stabilize the condition and check any active corrosion. This must be done prudently and every effort made to avoid compromising the patination. I think sometimes so much effort to look for wootz in some of these blades ends up with excessive cleaning on blades which are better left patinated (in my opinion). The blade on this example seems of form often seen with many Rajasthan produced blades which do not typically reveal wootz, but more standard forged material. There does seem to be some irregular areas in the overall patination which reveal some more recent rust and light corrosion. The shape of the pommel on this seems to be a somewhat altered type similar to those on Afghan paluoars, and looks like some kind of sheeting added over the construction. These things all concur with AJs observations noting incongruities in the components, and I would think this could well be in place with arms which were refurbished for various levies and units during the Raj and the Anglo-Afghan wars especially the 1919 campaign. Best regards, Jim

11th August 2012, 03:36 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	Of any use?

12th August 2012, 02:56 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	OK Matt, quite understandable with little ones....appreciate the acknowledgement and update, hope the info is useful. Asking direct questions here I think will surpass long internet searches...use our search function as well, naturally as opportunity is available. Congrats on the kids, sounds like a wonderful family. Jim